The 7 Best Ice Cream Shops in Edinburgh!

Scottish summer is famous for being unpredictable and often short-lived so when the sun does show its face, the whole country heads outdoors! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the sunshine than indulging in some delicious ice cream or refreshing sorbet in the sunshine.

Edinburgh’s Best Ice Cream

It’s no secret that Edinburgh has some of the best food the UK has to offer and the same goes for its ice cream. You’ll need to know where your nearest ice cream parlour is as soon as the next sunny day arrives, which hopefully won’t be too far off. And don’t think we’ve forgotten about the vegans out there, we’ve included a few delicious options for you, too. So keep reading to discover some of our favourite places to eat ice cream in Edinburgh!

1. Mary’s Milk Bar

Mary’s Milk Bar | 19 Grassmarket

Perhaps the most “Instagram famous” on our list; Mary’s Milk Bar has been serving up incredible homemade ice cream and chocolate in the Grassmarket since 2013. Mary herself trained in Italy and is serious about her ice cream. The Milk Bar’s motto is freshness and they pride themselves on their daily changing menu, having lost count over the hundreds of flavours they’ve made over the years. Don’t be put off if there’s a queue around the block – the service is quick and the ice cream is worth the wait! Try one of their famous shakes or a gelato-of-the-day with thick homemade chocolate sauce poured on top. Perfection!

2. S. Luca Ice Cream

S. Luca Ice Cream| 15 Morningside Road

S. Luca has been a family run business for over 100 years and it all began in the 1890s, when Luca Scappaticcio set out from his home in Cassino, Italy. Destined for a life in Scotland, he opened the first S. Luca ice cream parlour in 1908 in the seaside town of Musselburgh, and the rest is history! The fun bit is, their ice cream is still produced in the same factory now as it was in Luca Scappaticci’s day. If you fancy sampling one of their inventive flavours, their charming and traditional Morningside ice cream parlour is a lovely place to head on a sunny day.

3. Considerit

Considerit| 3-5A Sciennes

Vegans, this one’s for you! Welcome to the world of beautiful desserts… Considerit make vegan and dairy free treats in Edinburgh’s southside and they’re particularly well-known for their beautiful and indulgent doughnuts. From artisan chocolate and cinnamon rolls to hand-crafted ice cream and vegan milkshakes, this is the place to come for anyone with a sweet-tooth. Their mission is to challenge perceptions and deliver plant-based treats with no compromise on flavour. We can vouch for that, as they have some of the most delicious ice creams in town! Inventive flavours and creamy textures will hit the spot and settle that sugar craving and you can even top it off with a vegan cream egg – heaven!

4. Artisan Gelato

Artisan Gelato| 21 Cockburn Street

Since Artisan Gelato opened its doors on Cockburn street less than two years ago, it’s been a total hit with locals and tourists alike. You’ll find authentic Italian gelato, delish milkshakes, and homemade cones in this traditional ice cream parlour, all made fresh on the premises. Pop in for an afternoon treat after a long day of shopping or sightseeing in town. There’s plenty of seating here too, so there’s room for everyone!

5. Bon Bon Gelateria

Bon Bon Gelateria | 65 Elm Row

Another Italian gem in Edinburgh, Bon Bon Gelateria serves homemade gelato and strong coffee to go with it. You’ll be tempted to stay as soon as you lay eyes on their beautiful ice cream display! They’ve got some pretty delicious flavours here, like Snickers, luscious blueberry, and pink grapefruit sorbet. They also serve sundaes and wee sweet buns filled with ice cream. Or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try their ‘cloud cone’ – soft serve ice cream in a cone surrounded by billowing candy floss!

6. Over Langshaw Farmhouse

Over Langshaw Farmhouse| Look out for a police box in the Grassmarket!

Back in the Grassmarket, this little shop is located in a colourful police box, where Over Langshaw Farmhouse serve up delicious ice cream during the summer months. They have been producing luxury ice cream and sorbets for nearly a decade. Using their own organic milk and cream, their ice cream has a uniquely smooth and rich quality to it. We love the strawberry & coconut ice cream, made with creamy coconut and fresh Scottish strawberries!

7. Di Rollo

Di Rollo | 8-14 South Street, Musselburgh

If you’re heading for a day by the seaside, be sure to take advantage of this fantastic ice cream shop. Di Rollo of Musselburgh was established in 1899 by Domenico Di Rollo, who came to Scotland from Roccasecca in Italy. He started his ice cream and confectionery business in the east coast fishing town of Musselburgh and has since become one of Edinburgh’s most popular-selling ice creams. If Musselburgh is a little too far out of town, then not to worry, there are many restaurants and cafeés in Edinburgh that sell Di Rollo ice cream. You can even take home a container of your favourite flavour and enjoy it by the litre!

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Visiting Edinburgh this year?
Stay close to the ice cream in this beautiful Old Town home!

12 St Mary’s Street

Guests love our home at 12 St Mary’s Street, situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Because they regularly give us great feedback about staying there, it is in our Dickins Most Loved Collection. We can understand why they love it because we do, too! Read more about this magnificent home in our blog post here.

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